You are here

The Children's Society welcomes new interim chief executive

18 Nov 2011

The Children’s Society has appointed an interim chief executive to take charge of the charity over the forthcoming months, until a permanent replacement is recruited.

Shân Nicholas, who has six years experience as a chief executive, will join the charity on Monday (November 21). She replaces outgoing Chief Executive Bob Reitemeier, who will be leaving the charity on Thursday (November 24) after a decade at its helm.

Voluntary, public sector experience

Ms Nicholas has worked in the voluntary and public sectors throughout her career. She was a director of Stonham Housing Association and chief executive of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

In 2007 she set up her own interim management and consultancy business and was interim chief executive of the YWCA England & Wales (now Platform 51), Brook London, Child Poverty Action Group and British Institute of Human Rights.

This year she helped set up The College of Social Work and carried out a major governance review for the Big Lottery Fund, as well as business and organisational reviews for the National Skills Academy for Social Care and Mary Ward Legal Centre.

'Delighted to have this opportunity to work with The Children's Society'

Ms Nicholas said: 'I'm absolutely delighted to have this opportunity to work with The Children's Society. It is a real privilege to lead the organisation to the next stage and I am very excited about the weeks and months ahead.'

The Children’s Society Chair of Trustees Bishop Tim Thornton said: 'We are thrilled to welcome Shân Nicholas as the charity's Interim Chief Executive. She brings with her an enormous amount of experience across the voluntary sector and local government.

'I want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank-you to Bob, who has been an inspirational leader and will leave a lasting legacy for children, young people and their families across the UK.'

Mr Reitemeier to lead the Essex Community Foundation

Mr Reitemeier will begin his new post as chief executive of the Essex Community Foundation in January. He joined The Children's Society in 1998, initially as operations director, and became chief executive in April 2002.

The Children's Society Board of Trustees are leading the process to finding a permanent replacement for Mr Reitemeier.

Notes to editors

The Children’s Society wants to create a society where children and young people are valued, respected and happy. We are committed to helping vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, including children in care and young runaways. We give a voice to disabled children, help young refugees to rebuild their lives and provide relief for young carers. Through our campaigns and research, we seek to influence policy and perceptions so that young people have a better chance in life.